You are right about its simplicty. I have not made a batch in awhile but I took your approach. We used to get it from Korean sailors in port and from what I understood from them it's just like so many other things: here are the basic rules and do what you want from there.

The kimchi was good although pretty basic cabbage variety. IIRC it was from Houston. The store is also a good source for other Oriental foods, some different brands than you find in most Oriental groceries. Also some Thai, Vietnamese sauces.